Species · GBIF taxon 6474262
Red Sea Urchin
Mesocentrotus franciscanusAlso known as Giant Red Sea Urchin
Red sea urchins are formidable marine invertebrates covered in sharp, stiff spines that can grow up to eight centimeters long. They play a critical role in temperate kelp forest ecosystems, grazing on giant kelp and sometimes creating barren areas when their populations swell. These slow-growing creatures are among the longest-lived animals on Earth, with some individuals estimated to exceed two centuries in age.
MarineInvertebrateLong-Lived
Licensed referenceno rights reserved, uploaded by Braden J. Judson · cc0
- diet
- Kelp, algae, and decaying organic matter
- family
- Strongylocentrotidae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, sea otter predation, and commercial harvesting
- life Span
- Up to 100 to 200 years
NE
Sharp spines can easily puncture skin and break off; handle with extreme care or avoid touching.
Sharp, brittle spines can easily puncture human skin and break off deep inside the tissue, leading to painful inflammation or infection.
Do not attempt to pick up or step on them; wear thick-soled water shoes when exploring rocky intertidal zones.- Observe in tide pools: Look for them in deep, protected crevices during very low tides without disturbing them.
- Avoid touching: Their long spines are brittle and can easily puncture skin, breaking off to cause painful infections.
- Watch for movement: Look closely to see their tube feet and spines slowly shifting as they navigate the rock face.